The Utah Geological Survey has collected and evaluated information on the known and potential energy, mineral, and ground-water resources in Carbon and Emery Counties. This report provides information for use in both short- and long term land-planning decisions, particularly at the county level, and an indication of the present and future economic impact of mineral and energy development. The report discusses eight major commodity groups: (1) oil and gas, (2) coal and coal resin, (3) coal-bed methane, (4) other energy resources (oil-impregnated rock, oil shale, geothermal), (5) uranium and vanadium, (6) metallic minerals, (7) industrial rocks and minerals, and (8) ground-water resources. In general, for each group or commodity within a group the following aspects are discussed: (1) known occurrences and characteristics, (2) past production and trends, (3) current production and exploration activity, and (4) geologic potential. Plates accompany each of the major commodity groups and show the locations of known resources and areas of geologic potential. In addition to the commodity discussions, the report contains a brief summary of land ownership status and concludes with a summary of commodities having the best potential for discovery and development.

The report concludes that there is good potential for the discovery and development of additional occurrences of mineral and energy resources in Carbon and Emery Counties. In addition, some resources are present which have tonnage, grade, or quality characteristics that could support commercial development under favorable market conditions or with new technology. However, potential for development of many commodities, particularly some industrial minerals, cannot be ascertained at this time based on limited data available. The most prospective areas for development of additional energy resources are in western Carbon and Emery Counties and in north-central and eastern Carbon County. The most prospective areas for development of additional mineral resources are in eastern and central Emery County.